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Caught a trophy smallmouth bass Fishing Charter in
Smallmouth Bass Fishing Charter in Sturgeon Bay, WI
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The Micropterus Dolomieu belongs to the order Perciformes and family Centrarchidae. It typically measures between 12 and 27 inches in length, with a weight range from 1 to 4 lbs. Habitat: lake, river. - Popular freshwater gamefish among anglers. - Dark green or black body with vertical brown stripes. - Red or brown eyes distinguish them from largemouth bass.
Fishing Charter by Captain Dennis Ansell in August
Meet your Captain Dennis Ansell
- Top-rated Fishing Charters in Sturgeon Bay, WI
Summary
Captain Dennis Ansell of Lure-In Fishing Guide Service on Wednesday July delivered an exceptional Lake Michigan fishing charter in Sturgeon Bay, WI. This private charter offers flexibility to fish any area you prefer, targeting smallmouth bass using proven techniques like trolling, jigging, and live bait fishing. The partly cloudy summer conditions created ideal fishing weather, resulting in a monster 65-inch smallmouth bass that showcased why Sturgeon Bay ranks among Wisconsin's premier fishing destinations. With top-notch equipment and years of local experience, Captain Dennis ensures rewarding outings for anglers of all skill levels on these productive Lake Michigan waters.
Fishing Charter with Captain Dennis – Rates & Booking
Captain Dennis Ansell of Lure-In Fishing Guide Service on Wednesday July offers Wisconsin Fishing Charters with a Private Special where you can choose any area you'd like to fish. This flexible approach lets you target your preferred species and locations across Lake Michigan's productive waters. Half-day and full-day excursions are available, with all top-notch equipment provided. Captain Dennis brings years of local experience to ensure rewarding outings for anglers of all skill levels. Book your trip with Lure-In Fishing Guide Service today and experience the thrill of fishing Sturgeon Bay's premier waters.
Highlights of Wisconsin Fishing Charters | Private Special: Any Area You Would Like To Fish
This charter stands out for its complete flexibility—you choose where to fish based on your preferences and target species. Whether you prefer the serene northern Wisconsin lakes or want to focus on Lake Michigan's smallmouth bass action, Captain Dennis adapts the trip to your goals. The recent 65-inch smallmouth bass catch demonstrates the trophy potential these waters hold.
The combination of trolling, jigging, and live bait fishing techniques ensures you're always using the most effective approach for current conditions. Partly cloudy summer days provide ideal fishing weather, with comfortable temperatures and active fish. The Private Special format accommodates up to 3 guests, making it perfect for family trips or small groups seeking a personalized fishing experience.
Local Species Insights: Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass thrive in Lake Michigan's clear, rocky areas around Sturgeon Bay, where they ambush prey near structure and drop-offs. These bronze-backed fighters prefer water temperatures between 60-75°F, making summer months prime time for trophy catches. The recent 65-inch monster demonstrates the exceptional size potential in these waters, where abundant forage and clean habitat produce healthy, hard-fighting bass. Smallmouth are most active during partly cloudy conditions when they move shallow to feed, making them perfect targets for varied techniques like jigging rocky points and trolling along weed edges.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Your Lake Michigan adventure begins with Captain Dennis providing all necessary equipment and local knowledge to maximize your success. The boat accommodates up to 3 guests comfortably, with safety equipment and fishing gear included. Morning departures take advantage of prime feeding times, while the flexible Private Special format lets you focus on your preferred fishing style and target areas. Captain Dennis adapts techniques throughout the day—from trolling to cover water to precise jigging in productive spots—ensuring you experience the best Sturgeon Bay fishing has to offer.
Fishing in Sturgeon Bay, WI: Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) belongs to the Sunfish family (Centrarchidae) and ranks among North America's most prized freshwater gamefish. Distinguished by their bronze-green coloration and vertical dark stripes, these hard-fighting bass feature red or brown eyes and a mouth that doesn't extend past their eyes. In Sturgeon Bay waters this July, anglers consistently find trophy-sized smallmouth in the 3-5 pound range.
Smallmouth Bass Overview
Smallmouth bass are renowned for their aggressive strikes and aerial acrobatics when hooked. They inhabit clear, rocky waters throughout the Great Lakes region, where they've earned the nickname "bronzeback" for their distinctive coloration. These fish are structure-oriented predators that ambush prey from rocky points, weed edges, and drop-offs.
Smallmouth Bass Habitat and Distribution
Lake Michigan's Sturgeon Bay provides ideal smallmouth habitat with its rocky shorelines, clear water, and abundant forage. These bass prefer water temperatures between 60-75°F and are commonly found in 10-30 feet of water around rocky structure. They thrive in areas with good water clarity and moderate current, making the bay's protected waters perfect for consistent fishing.
Smallmouth Bass Size and Weight
Typical smallmouth bass range from 12-27 inches and weigh 1-4 pounds, though Lake Michigan specimens often exceed these averages. Trophy fish over 20 inches are common in Sturgeon Bay, with exceptional catches like the recent 65-inch monster showcasing the area's potential for record-class bass.
Smallmouth Bass Diet and Behavior
Smallmouth bass are opportunistic predators feeding on crayfish, minnows, insects, and small fish. They're most active during low-light periods and overcast days when they move shallow to hunt. These bass are ambush predators that use rocky cover and weed edges to surprise prey, making them perfect targets for jigging and live bait presentations.
Smallmouth Bass Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in late spring when water temperatures reach 60-65°F. Males create nests in shallow, rocky areas and aggressively defend them during the spawning period. Post-spawn bass move to deeper structure where they feed heavily to recover, making summer months excellent for trophy fishing.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include jigging with tube baits or grubs around rocky structure, trolling crankbaits along weed edges, and live bait fishing with minnows or leeches. In July around Sturgeon Bay, anglers find success using 1/4-ounce jigs in 15-25 feet of water near rocky points and drop-offs. Partly cloudy conditions trigger feeding activity, making them ideal for targeting trophy bass.
Smallmouth Bass Is It Good to Eat?
Smallmouth bass offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and mild flavor. They're high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being low in mercury. Popular cooking methods include grilling, baking, and pan-frying, though many anglers practice catch-and-release to preserve trophy fisheries.
Smallmouth Bass Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for smallmouth bass?
A: Live minnows, leeches, and crayfish work exceptionally well, along with tube baits, grubs, and small crankbaits that mimic their natural prey.
Q: Where can I find smallmouth bass near Sturgeon Bay?
A: Focus on rocky points, weed edges, and drop-offs in 10-30 feet of water throughout the bay, especially areas with good water clarity and structure.
Q: Is smallmouth bass good to eat?
A: Yes, smallmouth bass have firm, white meat with excellent flavor and are high in protein while being low in mercury, making them a healthy dining option.
Q: When is the best time to catch smallmouth bass?
A: Summer months offer excellent fishing, particularly during overcast conditions and low-light periods when bass move shallow to feed actively.
